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Yellow Velo serves local food, rents bikes in City Park

Holly Hines, hhines2@press-citizen.com
6:53 p.m. CDT June 18, 2014

The Yellow Velo, a new concession stand run by local youth and the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, is offering bike rentals and food at City Park Pool this summer.
(Photo:
Holly Hines / Iowa City Press-Citizen
)

A line of bright blue bikes in City Park awaited renters Wednesday at the new Yellow Velo concession and bike rental stand.

This summer, local youth and staff from the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County are renting bikes and selling food at the stand, located near the City Park Pool entrance.

Sue Freeman, director of the Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center, said the initiative will connect local teenagers with work experience and job coaching.

“We have lots of teenagers in our neighborhoods that are really excited about opportunities to work,” she said.

The stand, which opened for business last week, is funded by Johnson County, Johnson County Social Services flex funding, monetary donations and volunteer work from John Roffman Construction.

In addition to bike rentals, priced at $20 per day, the stand offers a lending library and food from Oasis Falafel, Molly’s Cupcakes and Local Burrito, as well as other snacks such as fruit, yogurt and drinks. The stand is currently open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, although Freeman said the hours may change based on residents’ needs.

Teenagers involved with Youth Empowered Solutions, a nonprofit, soon will start working at the stand along with Neighborhood Centers staff.

Freeman said any money raised through the stand will pay for Yellow Velo’s operations, including the teen employment positions.

Jill Abruzzio, a Neighborhood Centers staff member who helps coordinate Yellow Velo, said other functions of the stand include offering healthy food as well as encouraging people to ride bikes for fun and transportation.

Abruzzio, who grew up near a beach, said the spot near the pool reminds her of visiting the pier as a child and getting snacks after swimming.

“I feel like this is kind of like our own little beach setting,” she said.

Abruzzio said that although Yellow Velo hasn’t rented out any bikes yet, she would encourage people looking to borrow bikes for a day to give them a try.

Anas El Tuhami, another Neighborhood Centers staff member coordinating Yellow Velo, said the bikes could provide a recreational opportunity for parents while their kids swim.

“I guess it gives them something to do, and it’s just a friendly place to bike,” he said.

El Tuhami said he also would recommend people try the bikes because cycling is an easy, enjoyable family activity.

Hannah Correll, a lifeguard at City Park Pool, said the food at Yellow Velo is convenient for pool staff and visitors alike. She said so far she’s purchased fruit and pita chips.

“It’s easy access,” she said.

Correll said that although she hasn’t seen a lot of traffic at the stand so far, she imagines business will pick up as the summer continues.